In Ireland, the majority of drinking water (83.7%) originates from surface water (i.e. rivers and lakes) with the remainder originating from groundwater (8.8%) and springs (7.5%). This is particularly so for public water supplies whereas group water schemes and small private supplies tend to be slightly more reliant on groundwater or spring water.
All drinking water must comply with the The European Communities (Drinking Water) (No. 2) Regulations, 2007 which set standards for 48 individual microbiological, chemical and indicator parameters.
The 34 water services authorities (city and county councils) are responsible for the production, distribution and monitoring of drinking water from over 900 public water supplies, serving 87.5% of the population.
The rest is supplied by group water schemes (8.2%), small private supplies (0.4%) and single house private wells (3.9%). Responsibility for the water quality rests with the manager/operator of the supply.
The water services authorities carry out regular monitoring of public water supplies and group water schemes, and send these results to the Environmental Protection Agency each year for our Annual Report on Drinking Water Quality.
New drinking water regulations came into force during 2007 titled the European Communities (Drinking Water) (No.2) Regulations 2007. Under these regulations the EPA is the supervisory authority for public water supplies. These regulations provide the EPA with powers of direction to direct a local authority to improve the management or quality of a public water supply. The local authorities have a similar supervisory role in relation to group water schemes and private supplies. Under the regulations the local authority must notify the EPA of drinking water non-compliances or risk to public health from a public water supply. The EPA has published several guidance booklets for local authorities on the requirements of the Regulations. The guidance has been issued in accordance with the powers assigned to the EPA under the new legislation. View details of the guidance booklets.
The Provision and Quality of Drinking Water in Ireland - A Report for the Years 2007 - 2008
Drinking Water Report 2007 - 2008, Remedial Action List
Find out general information on drinking water on the Citizens Information website
